Seanm

Choose one conflict in The Hobbit, and explain how Tolkien uses it to move the story forward. Don't forget to cite page number when appropriate.

The Great Goblin Fire
Have you ever been surrounded by a ring of fire? I sure hope not. A conflict against nature and an enemy took place on page 117 when Bilbo, Gandalf, and the dwarves were trapped in three trees. They were surrounded by angry wolves. They couldn't come down, and Gandalf understood the wolves language. They were saying the goblins should meet them here soon. Gandalf quickly took action. He started fires with some pinecones and magic, and chucked them down at the wolves. One even hit the wolf leader. Soon some were completly ablaze, but what could they do about it? The wolves tried rolling on the ground to put the fire out on their body's. Just as the wolves were getting beat down, the goblins came in. They laughed, then started putting the fire near the trees. They were in a tight jam because fire was going to burn the tree down with them in it. Soon they were forced to go to the top of their trees. Surely they would have to jump(and be brutally killed) or be burned alive, but suddenly eagles came down the sky and whisked them off the tree. They were carried away from the fire, wolves, and goblins( who would have surely killed them if they came down) and safe. That's what got me to want to keep reading this book because if there is action now, surely their would be action later. I would recommend not getting surrounded by man eating wolves, goblins, or fire in the future.

Good conflict! There were so many to choose from, but so many of you chose this scene. Judging from the responses, I think Tolkien was working some of his own magic here. I like how I can hear your voice in this response. It sounds just like you. You do a wonderful job with vocabulary and conventions. I would love to hear this response without you asking me if I was in this situation. That seems pretty obvious to me, and since I know what an amazing reader and student you are, I know it is also obvious to you. That makes your introduction and conclusion rather trite. Do you get what I mean? I would love to brainstorm some other ways to begin with you. How about: Wolves and goblins team up to create a life-threatening conflict for poor Bilbo Baggins. Do you hear how much more 'real' that sounds? For a conclusion: I can't wait to see what Tolkien has in store for the lucky Mr. Baggins as the burglar continues his journey to Misty Mountain. Mrs. Best
external image hobbitsm.jpghobbitsm.jpg